"I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2024!"
Director's Log
As we bid farewell to 2023 and set our sights on the new year’s horizon, it is with great pride and gratitude that I reflect on the collective achievements and resilience that have defined the maritime industry over the past 12 months.
The challenges posed by global events, environmental concerns, and technological advancements have been met with a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to safety, efficiency and environmental responsibility.
OCIMF continues to fulfil a pivotal role in fostering the spirit of collaboration. As we collectively face evolving regulatory frameworks and navigate the complexities of a changing world, OCIMF's role becomes increasingly vital.
Led by the adopted 2023 IMO GHG Strategy, the industry's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint is inspiring. As technology continues to evolve, digitalisation and smart shipping solutions are reshaping the maritime landscape and offering new opportunities for efficiency. OCIMF will ensure its place in the energy transition while maintaining focus on existing risks and ongoing work.
Let me extend my deepest gratitude to the men and women who work tirelessly at sea, to our SIRE, BIRE and OVID inspectors who support our programmes, to all our members who provide their expertise and participate in our valuable work, and to the Secretariat and staff committed to our success. Your dedication and resilience do not go unnoticed, and we stand united in our support for a maritime industry that is safe, sustainable, and forward-thinking.
I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2024!
Karen Davis
Director OCIMF
Shaping the Future of Shipping at climate summit
Saurabh Sachdeva, Dr Waddah Ghanem, Nick Potter, Karen Davis, Mr Arsenio Dominguez (IMO), James Sagar, Salah Ghamdi, Raj Shetty
OCIMF co-sponsored and attended the Shaping the Future of Shipping conference with the theme of energy transition, which took place on 9–10 December during the COP28 climate summit.
The conference, organised by the International Chamber of Shipping, was held at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Key themes included the global challenges of future fuels, supply and availability, technology and innovation, the need for universally applied market-based measures and the need to prepare seafarers for the skills of the future. Panellists from across industry and government included ministers and officials from the UAE, Philippines, Brazil, UK, and the incoming Secretary General of the IMO, Mr Arsenio Dominguez. OCIMF’s Executive Committee Vice-chair Dr Waddah Ghanem was among the panellists, sharing his insights on the important role of human factors and how OCIMF is embedding this across its activities.
In closing, Arsenio Dominguez stressed that industry should prepare for the energy shift, and that the IMO’s role is to support the development of a robust regulatory framework and to ensure that the solutions on fuels and technology have safety at their core.
A fuller report on the conference will be provided in due course. For further information contact Martin Young, Environmental Adviser, Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo..
OCIMF Director makes list of top women in maritime
Congratulations to OCIMF's Managing Director Karen Davis, who was chosen as one of Marine Log's Top Women in Maritime 2023. 
Industry magazine Marine Log chose 20 women from readers' nominations, who they felt had made a great contribution to the sector over the year. OCIMF is proud and delighted to be led by Karen – and to read of the successes of all the other women in the list.
Read more here.
Maritime security snippets
Industry/Nigeria Security Meeting
During the 33rd Session of the IMO Assembly, industry representatives took the opportunity to meet with the newly appointed Minister of Marine and Blue Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola and Director General NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh. The group discussed progress made to date with the Nigeria/Industry Joint Working Group, the SHADE-GOG framework and the implementation of the SOLARTA maritime communications tool. The Minister welcomed the in
teraction, highlighting he had recently signed a Performance Bond for 2023-2027 with NIMASA, which included several maritime security goals.
Maritime Security Committee
The Maritime Security Committee held its last meeting of year on 7 December to review progress on key 2023 objectives and take stock on maritime activity in the Black Sea, Gulf of Guinea and Middle East. Due to increased activity in the Red Sea, the committee met again on 13 and 20 December to receive operational updates and review industry guidance.
Members may have seen the announcement by the US on 19 December to establish a new naval operation, PROSPERITY GUARDIAN under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) to focus on security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. For operations in the Middle East, please note the industry guidance posted on the Joint Industry Website.
If members have any concerns do not hesitate to contact OCIMF’s Security Adviser, Russell Pegg Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo..